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Polycarbonate PC, amorphous
INTRODUCTION
Transparency, excellent toughness, thermal stability and a very good dimensional stability make Polycarbonate (PC) a widely used engineering thermoplastics. Compact discs, riot shields, vandal proof glazing, baby feeding bottles, electrical components, safety helmets and headlamp lenses are all typical applications for PC.
PROPERTIES
Polycarbonates are strong, stiff, hard, tough, transparent engineering thermoplastics that can maintain rigidity up to 140 C and toughness down to -20°C or special grades even lower. The material is thermally resistant up to 135 C and rated as slow burning. Sensible to ESC.
Constraints to the use of PC include limited chemical and scratch resistance and it's tendency to yellow upon long term exposure to UV light.
Blends and alloys with PC are available with e.g. ABS, ASA or Polyesters, widely used in automotive industry.
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Psysical properties: |
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Tensile Strength |
70 - 80 |
MPa |
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E-modulus |
2200 |
MPa |
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Notched Impact Strength |
60 80 |
kJ/m² |
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Thermal Coefficient of expansion |
65 |
x 10-6 |
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Max Cont Use Temp |
140 - 150 |
0C |
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VicatB Temp |
100 - 130 |
0C |
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Density |
1.20 |
g/cm³ |
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Resistance to chemicals: |
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Dilute Acid |
Good |
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Dilute Alkalis |
Poor |
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Oils and Greases |
Moderate |
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Aliphatic Hydrocarbons |
Good |
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Aromatic Hydrocarbons |
Poor |
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Halogenerated Hydrocarbons |
Poor |
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Alcohols |
Good | 
APPLICATIONS
PC finds usage in a host of markets, notably in the automotive, glazing, electronic, business machine, optical media, medical, lighting and appliance markets
Electrical & Electronics (E&E)
power distribution (covers and housings), connectors, electrical household appliances, mobile phones, electrical chargers. lighting, battery boxes
Automotive
automotive lighting, head lamp lenses, dashboards, interior cladding, exterior parts (bumpers, bodypanels)
General Industries / Packaging
power tools, baby bottles, water dispensers, garden equipment, furniture (office & institutional) sporting goods, medical applications |
